Lessons from a Rookie

After an adrenaline-packed display of college hoops, I followed the thirsty media into the press room for a little personal time with the winning coach, the losing coach and two of the winning coach’s players.

Judging from my calm demeanor, you never would of guessed that I had never been to a press conference before. During the hour spectacle, I held out my tape recorder like a champ and listened intently as every journalist (except for me) asked a question. As a rookie in a confined space with experienced personnel, I didn’t want to attempt a three-pointer by asking a silly question and be remembered for a salty performance. Consider this my first newbie mistake, but I learned so much because of it.

As the hour went on, I would commit at least three more personal fouls that could of sent me straight to the bench. Taking what I learned from the experience, I have compiled a list of newbie mistakes that should help everyone stay in the game and out of foul trouble.

Bring a Laptop

Apparently, reporters bring their laptops to games instead of old-fashioned pen and paper. I didn’t know this and came to the fast conclusion that I could be the only journalist without a battery-operated note-taking tool.

Will I be stuck without computer assistance next game? Nope, because there’s nothing like a Dell PC to amp up my A-game.

Keep a professional attitude

A wise street teamer told me right before we went in, “Act like you’ve done this before.” I couldn’t let the Lebron James of the business know I was an inexperienced pro, so I stuck to my coach’s advice and acted like I had been in front of Minnesota Head Coach Tubby Smith a thousand times before.

Not everyone is there to be your friend

As a naturally happy and upbeat person, I was surprised at how cold some journalists can be. I wasn’t expecting to walk into a frat house straight out of Animal House, but some acknowledgement of my existence wouldn’t be too much to ask, right?

Actually, it was and I’m better off watching the game and writing about it than trying to find a new buddy.

Speak up!

When I thought of a question, I didn’t ask it out loud. Obviously, this could be a hinderance to my story, but I thought it would be best to save my dazzling fast break to the basket for the next coach at the podium. Not the best idea.